Chances are at some point in your life you’ve made some type of new year’s resolution that you failed to keep up with. Fitness resolutions and weight loss resolutions are among the most common to be broken within the first few months. With the new year upon us, many fitness centers are preparing for that beginning of the year rush of people who have made fitness a part of their new year’s resolutions. Most “resolutioners” stay strong for the first two months or so, but then fitness gyms see members in attendance begin to wane as they become discouraged or fatigued by their new routine. While some Highland Park gyms and University Park gyms may feel some kind of relief as their space becomes less crowded and hectic, SWEAT gym wishes to help save as many fitness resolutions as they can. SWEAT’s Highland Park personal trainers have come up with a few resolution tips to help “resolutioners” make and keep their new year’s promise to themselves.

1) Make yourself accountable. Partner up with a buddy, spouse, or engage a personal trainer that will count on you to be there. The possibility of letting someone down or disappointing your trainer gives you more incentive to get out of bed and get to the gym.

2) Keep a well-rounded approach. Include some nutrition goals along with your fitness regimen. Making other lifestyle changes outside of the gym will make the time you spend in the gym more efficient. Eating right will keep you healthy and energized and will improve the rate at which you reach your goal.

3) Create measurable goals. When you make your resolution, make sure it’s not too vague. Instead of telling yourself that your goal is “to lose weight,” give yourself a specific goal and time frame. For example, “I want to lose five pounds each month.” This goal can be easily measured each month, and you won’t cheat yourself by counting the one pound you lost during the month of February as meeting your goal of “losing weight.”

4) Allow room for mistakes. No one is perfect. Don’t give up after one bad week. Get back at it! You can get back on track if you stay positive and don’t beat yourself up. That being said, be careful not to let yourself make excuses. Don’t justify not reaching a weekly goal by telling yourself you’ll do extra next week to make up for it. All of that “making up for” can add up and make it hard to get back on track.

5) Create variety in your workout. Switch things up, and try new workout classes or exercises to keep yourself interested and limit the possibly of growing tired of the routine. SWEAT offers a variety of interesting classes to keep members in engaged in their fitness regimen.

6) Make your goals attainable. Create realistic goals. Don’t hold yourself accountable to ridiculous goals like “losing 50 pounds in your first two months.” It can be discouraging, and you may be more likely to give up on your resolution at the first sign that your goal is too hard for you to reach.

7) Pace yourself. Don’t be afraid to push yourself, but at the same time don’t burn yourself out. Find the balance between doing enough at the gym to see results and working outside of your comfort zone.

8) Reward yourself. Make short-term goals that will lead up to your overall resolution for the year (a month-to-month goal is ideal). Each time you reach one of your short-term goals, reward yourself with a spa day, new outfit, cooking class, or something else that relates to your hobbies or interests. When you’ve reached your big new year’s fitness resolution, don’t be afraid to take a trip to the beach for your big “new you” reveal!

9) Get plenty of rest. Getting plenty of sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Allowing your body time to rest and repair itself is crucial to preventing injuries, and it keeps you energized and alert throughout the day.

10) Track your progress. Keep track of your small successes. Short-term goals are easier to keep and each short-term goal reached will help you stay motivated. All of your short-term goals can add up to your larger new year’s resolution.

SWEAT hopes that these tips will help people remain committed to their new year’s resolutions throughout 2014 and beyond. SWEAT loves to see new people in the gym working towards their goals, and they are now accepting new members. Contact SWEAT with any questions about training programs and classes, or call or stop by the gym anytime.

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